Job 19:21
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
Original Language Analysis
חָנֻּ֣נִי
Have pity
H2603
חָנֻּ֣נִי
Have pity
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
חָנֻּ֣נִי
Have pity
H2603
חָנֻּ֣נִי
Have pity
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַד
for the hand
H3027
יַד
for the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
Ancient friendship obligations included compassion in divinely-sent affliction. Job's appeal recognizes that divine causation doesn't eliminate need for human support.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you show compassion when someone attributes suffering to God?
- What does it mean to receive affliction as God's 'touch'?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's plea to his friends: 'Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.' The repeated 'have pity' emphasizes desperate need for compassion. Job explicitly attributes suffering to God yet still seeks human comfort.